Three Ways to Simplify Your Move
Posted by Cary_Agent
Unless you can afford to pay someone to do everything for you, moving isn’t usually easy. It often requires packing, organizing, making phone calls, purchasing supplies, hiring movers or renting a moving truck, and unpacking. It’s not easy to fit moving into your already busy schedule. Once you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new home, all the things you had to do to get there will seem worth it, however. And, luckily, you can simplify your move in some ways with the right strategies. Here are five ways you can simplify your move and lose some of the moving-related stress: 1. Get a head start – In the past, you may have packed all of your stuff the week or so before your move and felt incredibly crunched for time. The next time you move, you should consider getting a head start. Start packing a month before it’s time to move, and take your time. If you dedicate just an hour every day to getting ready for your move, starting a month or so before it’s time to move, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to get everything done. 2. Jot down everything you need to do – A to-do list is a must-have. With so many things to do before you move, it’s easy to forget to do a few things. You don’t want to move into your new home only to realize when you step into a cold shower that you forgot to call the gas company and set up a new account for your new home. So, make a list, check it twice, and don’t make your move any harder than it needs to be by forgetting any the essentials of what you need to do. 3. Don’t try to carry all of the weight on your shoulders – Moving is something that’s best accomplished on a team. So, ask the people who live with you to help you prepare for the move and help you transport everything on the day of the move. If you live alone, ask family members and friends. People won’t necessarily come running to help you when you’re moving. However, you can usually find at least a couple of people who are willing to help out. Think of who you’ve done favors for, and pick up the phone. Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmarish experience. It can actually go rather smoothly if you’re properly prepared, make sure you aren’t forgetting to do anything, and ask for some help. Author’s Bio: Lisa is a writer and organizer who works in the storage industry on projects that involve storage units all over the country, from storage units in McAllen to storage units in Virginia Beach.
Greater Raleigh: A Pioneer of True Sustainability
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
With so much attention focused on the environment and on sustainability issues, it’s good to know that the Triangle region is creating and implementing programs that demonstrate a deep commitment to such matters. In fact, a three-pronged strategy ensures that, in combination with environmental and sustainability initiatives, both the citizens and local economy benefit.
About the Region’s Commitment
Along with reducing greenhouse gases, the initiative seeks to create plug-in stations for electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition, there’s an emphasis on recycling, reclaiming, and making buildings more energy efficient. There’s a strong impetus to create green jobs, improve infrastructure, including managing storm water, preserving green space and providing recreational facilities. In fact, Raleigh was named the #2 Fastest-Growing Clean (Green) Economy Job Growth region among the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. The report was issued by the prestigious Brookings Institution in July 2011.
More Green Accolades for Greater Raleigh
Raleigh was named one of three winners of the 2011 Sustainable Community Award given by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center, and received a prize of is $20,000 worth of trees. In addition, Raleigh was one of the first cities to endorse the US Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement plan that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The city has been recognized for its Project Get Ready, a program to install plug-in stations for electric and hybrid vehicles. Raleigh also has been recognized as the first LED city in the world, thanks to a program that helps save over 40% in energy costs by installing LED lights in municipal garages.
Raleigh’s LEED Involvement
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is an initiative that seeks to redefine the way we think about our homes, workplaces, and schools. LEED provides building owners and operators with a cohesive framework that allows them to identify and implement measurable and practical designs for green buildings. LEED also seeks to influence the construction, operation and maintenance of such buildings in a sustainable and environmentally sound way. The greater Raleigh region has more than 20 LEED-certified projects, and the convention center holds USGBC Silver LEED certification.
Finally, greater Raleigh has over 152 miles of hiking and greenway trails for discovering and appreciating the region’s rich natural heritage.
Spring in the Triangle: Bass Lake Park
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Now that the weather is warming and the first day of spring is very close, many people look forward to participating in more outdoor activities. One of the best places to visit in the area is the beautiful Bass Lake Park and Retreat Center.
About Bass Lake Park
The site is open year-round from 8 AM to sunset, and has a visitor’s and environmental education center, a conference room, deck, floating dock, bank fishing, hiking trail, and wildlife observation platform. Canoes and jon boats are available to rent. Bass Lake is designated as a North Carolina environmental education center, and covers about 90 acres. Facilities are available to rent by those ages 16 years and up. Bass Lake is proud to be a NC Environmental Education Center, and features an extensive nature library with books and resources. Events and programs are held on a regular basis for people of all ages. The park offers beautifully landscaped gardens that provide a colorful backdrop for every season.
The Bass Lake Park Conference Center
The conference room measures 1200 square feet, and has plenty of elegance and atmosphere, thanks to glass French doors and a verandah that surrounds it on three sides. The room is finished in neutral colors, and is ideal for rehearsal dinners and weddings. With a tray ceiling, and a good variety of lighting options, it’s easy to create the perfect ambiance. The catering kitchen features a refrigerator, oven, range, microwave, dishwasher, small ice maker, and a coffee maker. There’s also an audio-video system with an online computer, CD, DVD, VCR, televisions, projector, microphone, and speakers. This makes the site a sought-after venue for business events. The 2000 square foot deck has a charming gazebo and white picket railing that extends over the water, creating a perfect locale for picture taking.
Park Facilities and Amenities
Established in 2004, the park is accessible to people with disabilities, and offers a great place to hold events, celebrations, and parties of all types. Bass Park carries liability insurance, and does charge a site fee. In addition, there is a damage deposit, along with an alcohol deposit. The site allows only beer and wine. Weekend bridal packages are available, as well as by-the-hour rental. Amplified music is not allowed on the deck after sunset, and must be kept at a low level at all other times. Maximum capacity is 150 people, and men’s and women’s rest rooms are provided.
For more information, phone 919.557.2496.
Better, Not Bigger: What the Triangle Region Offers
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
The real estate scene’s best kept-secret might just be the Raleigh-Durham NC Triangle region. Despite a size that’s much smaller than other metropolitan areas that have a similar profusion of cultural amenities, the Triangle thrives. Raleigh has attracted a number of celebrities who make their home there, including Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Dexter star Michael C. Hall and singer Clay Aiken, whose dog was even named Raleigh!
Here’s the Proof
A recent study looked at 100 of the country’s largest cities and ranked them based on 16 essential criteria that people consider when evaluating an area to which they might move. The criteria included typical categories like educational opportunities, per capita income, poverty level, school performance and even air quality. However, special attention was paid to recreational amenities, including parks, restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions like museums. In addition, the number of inhabitants with a bachelor’s degree or higher, public school performance was considered. Other factors included were unemployment rate, crime rate and foreclosure rate. The data for this compilation came from reliable sources like the US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as from several respected private sources. The result? The Triangle region topped the list!
More Encouraging News
In addition, the Raleigh-Durham-Cary region enjoys exceptionally low crime rates. Cary, for example, had only 85 violent crimes per 100,000 people. There were just 25 robberies per 100.000 people, which is more than 10 times lower than the national average. Violent crime includes aggravated assault, forcible rape, non-negligent manslaughter and murder. After all this was considered, the Triangle region attained the top ranking. There couldn’t be a better time to buy a house here!
A Myriad of Positive Reasons to Live in the Region
The housing market in the Triangle, based on mortgage rates and other factors, indicates that home buying is exceptionally affordable at this time. In fact, the market is better than it has been in decades. Also, the ratio of house prices to yearly rents is highly favorable to home buyers. In addition, most buyers have little trouble finding affordable mortgage rates. When the cost of a home is compared to its projected growth in value over time, a lower ratio means that owning a home is more attractive and attainable than renting. This home-price-to-annual-rent ratio has declined by about 7% in recent years. Mortgage rates are important as well, and presently are exceptionally low, allowing buyers to get more house for their money. The latest 30-year rate is less than half the average since 1971.
So, when prices are low and loan rates are cheap, buyers are encouraged to jump in.
One Word Describes the Triangle Region: Boomtown!
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
In recent years, the Triangle region has consistently placed high on a number of lists that track rapid population growth and other key factors that influence real estate markets. Data from diverse sources has shown that the US population will rise, which in turn will help housing markets to flourish. It’s expected that the country’s population will rise by nearly 10%, and by 2020 will reach a staggering 337 million. The good news is that many of those people will be actively searching for homes.
Triangle Region Tops the List
There are 10 US metropolitan areas with population growth that’s projected to range from 15% to 25%, and the Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Cary NC) tops the list, beating out Texas, Utah, Georgia, Idaho and Colorado. The Triangle’s population growth is expected to exceed 35%. In addition, other metrics, including available green space, quality of educational opportunities and cultural atmosphere show that the Triangle region is a highly desirable place to live. In fact, Businessweek.com has placed it at the top of its “Best Cities” ranking.
Factors to Consider
For those contemplating a move, there are many issues that influence their choice. For example most people want proximity to their jobs, affordability of food and housing, low crime statistics, presence of cultural and entertainment venues and activities, access to superior school systems and plenty of green space. Once all these factors are added to the mix, the results, as shown in the ranking, are surprising. Businessweek.com did an exhaustive study acquiring extensive data related to quality of life issues. In addition, they evaluated intangibles like the number of restaurants and the quality of sports teams. The surprising result? Raleigh NC was the winner.
A Few Specifics
Businessweek.com reported that the region supports 3 major institutions of higher education, North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Triangle features about 900 restaurants, over 100 bars and 51 museums. The area has nearly 13,000 park acres, a number that’s equal to that found in the regions around both Los Angeles and New York City. There’s also a professional hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes, and a good variety of college sports. In addtion, the region supports a 30,000 square foot farmer’s market. All this in an area with less than 500,000 inhabitants that spans less than 150 square miles!
If you’re looking for the best in affordable housing and quality of life, the Triangle region deserves a serious look.
The Queen of Soul to Perform in the Triangle Region
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Aretha Franklin, affectionately termed the “Queen of Soul,” is slated to perform at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) on February 9, 2012. Franklin, long regarded as having a major influence on American soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music, is a talented singer, songwriter and pianist. Although best known for her achievements in the soul and rhythm and blues music genres, Franklin also is an accomplished performer in jazz, rock, blues, pop and gospel. Her wide-ranging talent elevated her to worldwide fame, thanks to an innate ability to perform all styles of music with elevating passion, stirring soulfulness and a distinctive, one-of-a-kind vocal style.
Early Life
Born in 1943, Aretha Franklin hails from Memphis, Tennessee. Her father was the influential pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit. Both her father and mother were nationally recognized gospel singers, but her mother unfortunately deserted the family when Franklin was just six years old. Franklin and her two sisters, Erma and Caroline, sang at their father’s church and her first recordings were made there when she was just fourteen years old. Although her family was one of Detroit’s most prominent African-American families, her father was reluctant to allow her to sign a contract with the just-emerging Motown record label.
Awards and Honors
Aretha Franklin is one of the most honored female singers in the history of the Grammy awards. A Grammy is highly sought-after award conferred by the prestigious National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievement in the music and recording industry. It’s equivalent to the Emmy awards for television and the Academy Awards for motion pictures. Franklin has won nineteen Grammys, eight of which were consecutive. Rolling Stone Magazine has ranked her number one in its Greatest Singers of All Time issue. She also holds the distinction of winning multiple Grammy Awards with 45 Billboard Hot 100 hits. Franklin performed in Washington, DC at the inauguration of US President Barack Obama.
Don’t miss what’s sure to be a rocking, one-of-a-kind performance. Contact the Durham Performing Arts Center (DAPC) at 919.688.3722. Find the Center at 123 Vivian Street, Durham 27701. Weekday hours are 10AM to 5PM.
Dvorak’s New World Symphony: Distinctly American
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
On February 17, 2012, the North Carolina Symphony is slated to perform an always-popular opus commonly referred to at the “New World Symphony.” The performance venue is the Meymandi Concert Hall on East South Street in Raleigh. This is expected to be a unique and informative event in which the highly respected music scholar Joseph Horowitz will provide an innovative pre-concert talk about the work. Inspired by African-American and native American music, Dvorak’s masterpiece offers a fascinating glimpse into how the world regarded America in the 19th century.
About the New World Symphony
Formally known as the Symphony Number 9 in E Minor, “From the New World,” Opus 95, B 178, the work was composed by Antonin Dvorak in 1893 during an extended visit to the US. Dvorak was struck by the fledgling country’s expansiveness and forward-looking character. It’s Dvorak’s most popular work and stands as one that’s very well known in the modern repertoire. Influenced by the indigenous music he heard in the America, Dvorak often remarked on the “beautiful and varied themes” that he considered to be “the product of the soil,” and also on the “folk songs of America” that the country’s composers should turn to for inspiration.
About Dvorak’s Creative Process
Dvorak did not use American music directly in this work. Rather, he interpreted and embellished it in a way that allowed him to write “original themes embodying the peculiarities” of this unique genre. He also identified a number of important themes in American music and used them as a basis on which he “developed them with all the resources of modern rhythms, counterpoint, and orchestral colour.” One reviewer described the experience of hearing the symphony as a journey, more specifically, “Dvorak’s journey to America, getting to know its people. More importantly, it’s Dvorak’s own spiritual and emotional journey: from his intense longing for his beloved Bohemia to the thrill of this ‘new world’ and its varied peoples.”
For a unique and stirring tribute to the American spirit, don’t miss this remarkable performance.
Love the Outdoors? Explore the Upper Neuse River Greenway Trail
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
The Upper Neuse River Greenway trail is a recent addition to the Triangle region’s network of nature trails. It officially opened in November 2011 and is a project led by the Raleigh Parks and Recreation department, whose mission it is to “to actively encourage, provide, promote and protect quality leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities, facilities and environments that are essential for the enhancement of the lives of our citizens” (Source: www.raleighnc.gov).
Greenway Details
The Upper Neuse River Greenway trail is a 10-foot-wide paved pathway that extends from Falls Lake dam to the WRAL soccer complex on Perry Creek Road. The greenway features seven bridges, along with seven boardwalk sections. The trail passes under Falls of Neuse Road, New Falls of Neuse Road and Capital Boulevard, so there are no road conflicts along the route. The greenway is the first segment of the larger Neuse River trail to be completed. The trail provides connection to the Falls canoe launch and the Falls Lake recreation area. In addition, the trail passes through the future Thornton Road park site. In addition, the Wake Forest greenway system is scheduled to be connected to the Neuse River trail.
History, Background and Funding
The Neuse River corridor forms the backbone of the Capital Area Greenway, a region designated in 1976. It has a number of important goals, such as the preservation of the flood plain along the river and the development of a trail system throughout the corridor, including one that runs its entire length. Another goal involves the creation of upland park areas that flank the corridor on either side at a distance of two to three miles. These are designed to provide additional recreational opportunities and access points. To that end, since the corridor’s master plan was adopted, over 2000 acres of land have been acquired. The area is funded by city of Raleigh bond as well as by nearly one million Federal dollars. In addition, financial support comes from AARA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) in the amount of 3.25 million dollars.
For a unique experience of the region’s remarkable natural beauty, be sure to visit the Upper Neuse Greenway trail.
Don’t Miss a Unique Exhibition about the Mongol Warlord Genghis Khan
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
From November 19, 2011, to January 16, 2012, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh will be the site of a remarkable exhibition of treasures from the empire of Genghis Khan. The exhibit is on loan directly from Khan’s native Mongolia, thanks to the Mongolian Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and some private collectors as well.
Who was Genghis Khan?
Khan was a Mongol warlord who’s famous for conquering half of the known world in the years between 1162 and 1227 AD. His empire was four times the size of the Roman Empire and was roughly the size of the entire continent of Africa, an incredible 11,600,000 square miles. Khan is widely regarded as an innovative leader and enlightened statesman who brought stability, religious tolerance and unity to most of Asia and some parts of Europe.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibit tells Khan’s amazing story by focusing on his life, his culture, his people, his land and his legacy that endures to this day. There’s a wide-ranging collection of objects from Khan’s time — weapons, jewelry, ornaments and even musical instruments. Also on display are working models of Khan’s deadly siege weapons, including a huge triple crossbow and a trebuchet, which is a type of powerful catapult. Both weapons contributed greatly to Khan’s success in conquering heavily fortified walled cities. Recently, the mummified body of a Mongol princess was added to the exhibition, including her wooden coffin, exquisite silk robes, pearl earrings and a variety of other treasures. The mummy was discovered by Mongolian archeologists in the Gobi Desert, where the dry climate and a sheltered cave naturally preserved it.
Ticket Information and Address
Tickets for the exhibition range from $5 to $14. Contact the museum at 919.733.7450 or toll-free 877.4NATSCI. The address is 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Normal opening hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, noon to 5 PM. On the first Friday of the month, the museum is open until 9 PM, but do call to verify the evening hours before visiting.
This is a rare opportunity to view a spectacular, one-of-a-kind collection. Highly recommended!
Don’t Be a Scrooge: Visit the Bitmore Village Dickens Festival!
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
This holiday season, be sure to experience the unique historical atmosphere of the Bitmore Village Dickens festival. Held over a 3-day period in December, the festival is a celebration of the magic of the season, complete with music and over 300 performers who bring Dickens’ world to life. The main stage of the festival offers continuous entertainment, including the Montford Park Players drama group, singers, dancers, choral groups, musicians and much more.
Events at the Bitmore Village Dickens Festival
Charles Dickens was the 19th-century English author who penned the beloved tale “A Christmas Carol” and who created the remarkable character Ebenezer Scrooge. In the story, Scrooge is visited by a ghost who helps him overcome his miserly nature and become a true believer in the magic of the season. To celebrate his transformation, the Bitmore Village Dickens festival offers plenty of entertainment, both onstage and by strolling actors and musicians.
More about the Dickens Festival
Plan to come to the festival in the evening, when over 250,000 white lights illuminate the village with a wonderful, magical glow. Be sure to visit some of the shops, where you’ll find the shopkeepers dressed in traditional Dickensian costumes from the 19th century Victorian era. Enjoy a horse-drawn ride through the village’s tree-lined streets. To enhance the ambience, you’ll find real “chestnuts roasting by an open fire,” as the song goes, so don’t forget to sample them. The village is decked out with evergreen holiday wreaths on each picturesque streetlight and on many shop doors to enhance that holiday feeling.
The Bitmore Village Dickens festival is an event not to be missed!